..."Evangelism is mission but mission is not merely evangelism" (Moltmann 1977)...."Mission is not a programme of the church but rather an attribute of God" (Bosch 1991).... "we are called to display what it means to be a colony of heaven mission embodies the total impact of the church on the world it's involvement with the social, political and moral life of the community and nation where it is placed" (Green 1990).... "The Church exists primarily for the sake of mission in the world. Mission is therefore the reason why the Church exists (Needham 1987).... "Mission comes first from the heart of God and we are caught up in it rather than initiating it (Bosch 1991)..."we seek to renew the face of the earth, all things and all peoples - that's mission" Archbishop Rowan Williams

Tuesday, January 11, 2005

A place of significance...

Reading an old copy of an internal salvation army magazine The Officer (Lt- Col Rader, H.C. and Rader, F. (2003) 'Salvation Army: Mission Strategy and ministry to the poor' in THE OFFICER march/april 2003.) I discovered that most days I walk or drive past a significant spot. The spot where The Salvation Army (then the East London Christian Mission) first started meeting the physical needs of a community in mission.

It happened during the 1866 and 1867 cholera epidemic and it sparked a revolution of authentic grace centred mission. The Revival (an early Christian Mission publication) of 31 January 1867, Booth wrote that at the Union Temperance Hall, High Street, Poplar, 'We are now giving away soup and bread, and propose doing so while the distress continues and funds are sent us.'

Funny we're into our eighth year at Poplar and I only just found that out. It's a place of significance.

It is significant that from that grew a love of community and transformation that saw the development of other soup kitchens; 'evening classes; ragged schools; reading rooms; penny banks; soup kitchens; relief for the destitute and sick poor by distribution of bread, meat and money; house to house visitation; Sabbath and day schools; maternal societies; supplying clothes for the needy.' There were literacy classes, a Drunkards' Rescue Society and a savings bank. In addition, there were five 'food for the millions' food shops.

It's significant that despite seemingly turning his back on such social services - that were at first considered a distraction and a financial drain, and despite the influence of Catherine and Railton - his attitude swung back to a holistic model of mission.

When in 1880 - Booth confronted Bramwell about the men sleeping under the bridges. It is significant that he didn't say "great... look at the evangelistic opportunity we have with these vulnerable men let's evangelise them when they are at their lowest" but he said, "do something...!".

It's significant that Booth saw that people were receptive to a gospel that addressed their needs; that was authentic, that was grace centred and saw transformation and wholeness.

It's significant that when once asked 'What about The Salvation Army proper? Has it suffered from the competition of the Social Work?' Booth responded "I know what you mean, but in my estimation it is all the Army proper. We want to abolish these distinctions..." (The War Cry, 1889).

"Abolish these distinctions" '- I wish there was someone yelling that out now to all those who honestly feel that it is totally ok to operate a 'small print', 'strings attached', 'graceless', 'means to an end', 'abusive' approach to mission.

When Booth wrote about Boundless Salvation I think he knew what he meant! And to think the journey of mission started at the end of my street!

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About Me

URBANarmy – are the thoughts and theological reflections of an insignificant Salvation Army officer trying to show true hope, grace, love and freedom in a significant way.
URBANarmy -is a story of Missio Dei driving an all-encompassing grace-centred mission.
URBANarmy – is an open compilation of lessons learned from day to day ministry, dialogue and reading.
URBANarmy – is Gordon who finds total fulfillment in demonstrating the Kingdom of God.
URBANarmy – is now the fusion and exploration of 'mission' and 'spiritual formation' while trying to inspire a new generation of Salvation Army Officers as to their role in God's plan for His creation.